Participating Teams

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will feature 48 teams from across the globe, competing in the largest tournament in World Cup history

FIFA Confederations

Teams qualify through six continental confederations, each with their own qualifying tournaments

Explore Teams by Confederation

UEFA

Union of European Football Associations

16 qualification spots
55 member associations
Winners of 12 World Cup titles

CONMEBOL

South American Football Confederation

6.5 qualification spots
10 member associations
Winners of 10 World Cup titles

CONCACAF

North, Central America and Caribbean

6 qualification spots
41 member associations
Hosts of the 2026 World Cup

AFC

Asian Football Confederation

8 qualification spots
47 member associations
Rapidly growing football region

CAF

Confederation of African Football

9 qualification spots
54 member associations
First semifinalist in 2022 (Morocco)

OFC

Oceania Football Confederation

1 qualification spots
14 member associations
First direct qualification for 2026

2026 World Cup Format

Expanded Tournament

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature an expanded format with 48 teams, up from 32 in previous tournaments. This historic expansion provides more opportunities for nations to participate in football's premier event.

48 teams (increased from 32)
3 host nations: USA, Mexico, Canada
16 host cities across North America
104 matches (increased from 64)
First World Cup to be hosted by three nations

Qualification Allocations

The expanded tournament has led to increased qualification spots across all confederations:

UEFA (Europe):

16 teams

CAF (Africa):

9 teams

AFC (Asia):

8 teams

CONMEBOL (South America):

6.5 teams

CONCACAF (North America):

6 teams (incl. hosts)

OFC (Oceania):

1 team

Playoff Tournament:

2 teams

Host Nations

United States

11 host cities

The United States returns as a World Cup host after 32 years, with 11 cities selected to host matches across the country.

Mexico

3 host cities

Mexico will become the first country to host the World Cup three times, with matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

Canada

2 host cities

Canada will host the World Cup for the first time, with matches taking place in Toronto and Vancouver.